Board Ponders Future Of Magnets

Many of Palm Beach County's magnet schools need a major overhaul, but exactly what kind still needs to be decided, School Board members said at a Monday workshop.

The board listened to a $38,000 report from its consultant that showed some schools have achieved great feats with their programs while severe problems plague others. Twenty-two of 29 schools failed to improve student scores on the math portion of the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test by what the consultant deemed a significant amount. The company used data from the 1993 through 1999 school years.

The district spends $14 million a year on magnet programs from its budget and has received $4 million in federal grants this year to put toward four of the programs.

Magnet schools, with specialized programs such as arts, science or International Baccalaureate, were designed to lure white students to predominantly black schools. But the district's goals have changed since it began magnet programs in 1989. The district's focus now is improving academics. So the role of magnet schools is uncertain.

"Whatever's working, that's what we want to reproduce," board member Debra Robinson said. "If a kid wants to go to school, that's 75 percent of the battle."

The board has talked about making each of the district's 150 schools choice schools, each with a specialized program that would lure students from outside the neighborhood. The board must decide how choice schools would fit in with magnet schools, as well as vocational schools that also require applications.

"We are making decisions piecemeal," board member Jody Gleason said. "There is a bigger picture here than just the magnet decision."

Gleason suggested a School Board retreat at which all types of schools of choice could be discussed. Superintendent Art Johnson said he would schedule it.

Board members said they want extensive parental input before they make any decisions on the programs, which are popular with parents.

"These are their schools, and they are going to have a major input in this," member Susan Whelchel said.

The board told Johnson to compile a list of recommendations on what to do with programs that aren't meeting their goals. Pine Grove Elementary School of the Arts in Delray Beach could be among the victims.

The school continues to struggle academically despite its arts program and has failed to attract white students. The school is about 90 percent minority. It received a D grade from the state for the past three years.

Johnson said he would offer recommendations before the next magnet workshop on Nov. 5.

Lois Solomon can be reached at lsolomon@sun-sentinel.com or 561-243-6536.